Business Backs Low-Carbon USA

As world leaders from the US and more than 150 countries gather on April 22 to sign the Paris Climate Agreement, more than 100 leading companies joined together to welcome the agreement and call for the US economy to shift to a low-carbon future.

These businesses recognize that climate change poses a risk to America’s economic prosperity and pledge to do their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But, they know they cannot tackle this problem alone. In order to fulfill the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming within two degrees Celsius, these business leaders are pushing for commonsense policies that will support a low-carbon economy. Specifically, they are calling on US leaders for swift action on the US Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan and smart investment in the low-carbon economy both at home and abroad.

Their support for climate action—in front of their investors, competitors, suppliers, customers, and peers—demonstrates the economic significance of the need for the United States to transition to a low-carbon future.

Leading Executives are Calling for a Low Carbon USA

“Our natural world, the environment itself, is the fundamental infrastructure of the outdoor industry. Many outdoor brands, rooted in values of environmental responsibility, have led the fight against the negative effects of climate change. We are grateful to that 155 countries, a record number, are signing the climate agreement reached in Paris last year. We applaud the Obama administration for their leadership and look forward to working with leaders in the outdoor industry and beyond to see these goals achieved.”
Amy Roberts, Executive Director, Outdoor Industry Association

“Levi Strauss & Co. is proud to stand with 100+ companies in welcoming the Paris Agreement and supporting a low-carbon economy here in the United States. We pledge to do our part to address climate change and encourage U.S. lawmakers to do the same.”
Anna Walker, Senior Director of Global Policy and Advocacy, Levi Strauss & Co.

“The business community has a critical role to play in developing and commercializing the technologies and solutions that will enable the transition to a low-carbon economy. DuPont is proud to stand with other companies in welcoming the Paris Agreement and supporting a low-carbon economy here in the United States.”
Krysta Harden, Chief Sustainability Officer, DuPont

“Business must continue leading by example, and we at Mars have already declared our own decarbonization commitment to eliminate the use of fossil fuel energy and greenhouse gas emissions from our operations by 2040. We are hopeful that continued leadership and progress by the business community will encourage the U.S. to follow through on its COP21 commitment and to successfully implement the Clean Power Plan.”
Barry Parkin, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mars Incorporated

“At HP, we believe it is imperative for all of us—businesses, governments, and individuals alike—to address the root causes of climate change and reinvent how the world lives and works. We show our support for We Mean Business by setting goals and taking steps to lower GHG emissions across our technology portfolio, operations, and supply chain. We know that our actions, including our commitment to 100% renewable electricity in our global operations and to adopting a science-based emission target are critical to our long-term business sustainability and the success of our customers.”
Nate Hurst, Chief Sustainability & Social Impact Officer, HP Inc.

“At Clif Bar, we support strong action on climate and are honored to be part of a community of business calling for a low-carbon economy. We need everyone working together — businesses and communities, individuals and countries — to help transition to an economy that runs on clean, renewable energy. Our future depends on it.”
Elysa Hammond, Director of Environmental Stewardship, Clif Bar & Company

“The Paris agreement represents a turning point for business. It is the beginning of the long-term framework needed for business to transform their operations and invest in low carbon products and services for the future. Now it is time to translate this framework into clear policies and actions. At IKEA, we are committed to do our part. We will continue to invest in renewable energy and to transform our business. By 2020 we will produce as much renewable energy as the energy we consume in our own operations.”
Steve Howard, Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA

“M. A. Mortenson Company is pleased to stand with more than 100 U.S. companies in welcoming the Paris Agreement and supporting a low-carbon economy here in the United States. In our company and on the projects we build, we support clean energy development and sustainable building practices that help lead to lower carbon emissions and a healthier environment. But while we stand in celebration today, we know a lot of work still must be done to create the low-carbon economy that will allow future generations to thrive.”
David Mortenson, Chairman, M.A. Mortenson Company

About this effort

This statement was coordinated by Business Council for Sustainable Energy, CDP, Ceres, C2ES, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Entrepreneurs, The B Team, The Climate Group, We Mean Business, and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Business Backs Low-Carbon USA kicked off in December 2015 with a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal urging US and international leaders to adopt an ambitious climate agreement in Paris.

If your organization would like more information on how to participate, please contact Brianna Esteves at esteves@ceres.org.